Please find attached the most recent Risk Intelligence reports dated 19-20th August as follows:-

· Annex A – Middle East Updates
· Annex B – Northern Black Sea Updates

Annex A summarises the past week’s security updates in the Middle East region, where the situations in both the Persian Gulf and Red Sea reman at a stalemate. The American government is continuing to try to end its conflict with Iran, however contradictory statements by the US President have made it difficult to gauge the exact status of ceasefire discussions – if any are ongoing at all. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces remain capable of conducting attacks on Saudi, Israeli, and US-linked ships.

Annex B summarises the past week’s security updates in the Black Sea region, where the targeting criteria of both sides have expanded to also attacking bulk carriers. Both nations are intent on attacking each other’s trade and export targets, no matter the industry, meaning there is a high risk of attacks on both ships and port infrastructure.

In accordance with the scope of the agreement between ICS and Risk Intelligence, members are requested not to circulate the report further in its entirety. Members may precis the report or use extracts from it to help advise members on key issues or to assist in enquiries. In such cases, Risk Intelligence should be acknowledged as the source of the information.